Early Wednesday, tragedy struck in southwest Pakistan as a speeding passenger bus careened off a highway and plunged into a rocky ravine, claiming the lives of at least 28 individuals while injuring 20 others, according to officials.
Asghar Ali, a local police officer, revealed that the driver lost control abruptly in Washuk town while the bus was en route from Turbat to Quetta, the capital of Baluchistan province. Details were being gathered from the survivors to ascertain the sequence of events leading to the accident.
Ismail Mengal, a government administrator in Washuk, disclosed that the bus driver was among the fatalities. Authorities are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Rescue teams and law enforcement swiftly arrived at the scene, offering immediate medical assistance to the injured passengers. The deceased and wounded were transported to a nearby hospital, with some reported to be in critical condition.
Images circulated by local media depicted the wreckage strewn across the bottom of the ravine.
Sarfraz Bugti, the chief minister of Baluchistan, expressed condolences for the lives lost and instructed authorities to ensure the best possible medical care for the injured.
Both Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi conveyed their sympathies separately over the tragic incident.
Pakistan frequently grapples with road accidents, with lax adherence to traffic regulations and safety protocols, especially on dilapidated roads in rugged terrains.
This latest mishap comes on the heels of another tragedy just three days prior, wherein 13 members of a family perished in a collision between a van and a truck in Multan, located in the eastern Punjab province. Earlier this month, a similar crash claimed the lives of at least 20 individuals while injuring 30 others.